Our Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program Celebrates World Breastfeeding Week
This year’s World Breastfeeding Week theme, “Protect Breastfeeding: A Shared Responsibility,” focuses on how breastfeeding contributes to the survival, health, and well-being of all moms and their babies.
Over 100 Countries Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week
World Breastfeeding Week is an annual celebration observed in more than 120 countries during the month of August. The celebration highlights the importance of breastfeeding, improving the health of babies and mothers, and promoting a woman’s right to breastfeed anywhere and at any time.
How Mothers Benefit from Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding has benefits for both baby and mom. Breastfed babies are healthier and have fewer infections and illnesses. The rate of ear infections, respiratory problems, asthma, and allergies is lower in breastfed babies.
Breastfeeding helps moms lose weight and get back into shape. It also has health benefits like lowering the risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. Breastfeeding is great for mother-baby bonding.
Breastfeeding is free and convenient. Breastfed babies are less likely to become sick, resulting in fewer trips to the doctor’s office, fewer co-pays, and less money spent on prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.
New York State’s WIC Program Provides Free Assistance
The NYS Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program is a federal assistance program that provides nutritional and supplemental food to pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, newborns, and children five years of age or younger. Participants must have a family income at or below the federal poverty level.
Our WIC Breastfeeding Team Offers Mothers Added Support
Throughout the year, Harmony Healthcare Long Island’s WIC Breastfeeding team provides support and information daily to women enrolled in the program. A peer counselor and/or dedicated breastfeeding experts are available to answer questions, discuss breastfeeding stumbling blocks and possible solutions.
Virtual Breastfeeding Support Groups are Available
The WIC Program also hosts a virtual breastfeeding support group. Breastfeeding mothers or those planning to breastfeed will observe a brief presentation and video and have an opportunity to share their experiences.
WIC participants will be encouraged to submit a photo of themselves with their breastfeeding infant for display during the meeting. A raffle opportunity and breastfeeding milestone certificates will be available as well.
Would You Like to Learn More? Contact Us Today!
For more information on the WIC program and/or breastfeeding support, please contact any of HHLI’s WIC locations, which are located in Elmont, Roosevelt, and Westbury. Leave your name and telephone number to receive a call back within 24 hours.
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